BUFT vs IVV
FT Vest Buffered Allocation Defensive ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUFT | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.21% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $156M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +6.60% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.02% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.59% | +21.77% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 26, 2021 | May 15, 2000 |
BUFT vs IVV Performance
FT Vest Buffered Allocation Defensive ETF (BUFT) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year BUFT returned +10.02% while IVV returned +23.01%. Year to date, BUFT is up 6.60% versus a gain of 13.80% for IVV.
Over three years, BUFT compounded at +9.59% per year against +21.77% for IVV. Across the full 5-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +5.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 5.6% for BUFT. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -10.4% for BUFT and -56.5% for IVV. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUFT charges 1.21% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $121 vs $3 annually, a gap of $118 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFT currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
BUFT and IVV share 0 holdings out of 512 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BUFT or IVV?
BUFT has an expense ratio of 1.21% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $118 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUFT or IVV?
Over the past year BUFT returned +10.02% vs +23.01% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), BUFT annualized +5.84% vs +7.04% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUFT or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 5.6% for BUFT. Worst drawdown: BUFT -10.4% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both BUFT and IVV?
BUFT and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between BUFT and IVV?
BUFT and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 512 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFT or IVV?
BUFT yields 0.00% while IVV yields 1.09%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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